Understanding Notifications in StREAM
Automated notifications are configured by universities to send emails when there are changes in engagement behaviour based on predefined criteria. Whether alerting to changes in attendance, engagement scores, or interactions with resources, Notifications provide a mechanism to identify individual students who may benefit from some sort of early intervention.
StREAM Notifications offer institutions flexibility in who should receive the notifications and when, so you can be sure that the right person is alerted to changes at the right time to effect positive change.
1. Getting Off to a Good Start
Early engagement is a key indicator of future success, making the start of a student’s academic journey crucial. To facilitate a smooth transition, a university can leverage StREAM to create Notifications that focus on the initial weeks of the term. For instance, a Notification could be triggered if a student hasn’t yet engaged with the virtual learning environment or attended any classes within the first two weeks of term.
An initial Notification could go to the student reminding them of how to access the VLE or signpost specific resources available to support them through the start of term. If the student still does not engage a follow up Notification can go to their personal tutor and/or student support teams, prompting them to reach out, encouraging them to connect with the student, understand any challenges they may be facing, and provide guidance.
It’s important to approach such Notifications with compassion, recognising that the start of term can be a challenging period for many students. Approaching student from a coaching and guidance perspective acknowledges common issues such as difficulties with accessing technology, digital competencies or external factors like commuting problems and shows understanding, helping to construct messages that encourage students to seek assistance, now and in the future.
2. Keeping on Track
As students’ progress through their studies, Notifications can evolve from identifying non-engagement that signal potential risk. For example, a Notification might be triggered if a student’s average engagement drops into a ‘low’ category for the first time or persists for an extended period.
Additionally, Notifications can be set up to notify when a student hasn’t interacted with significant digital touchpoints, such as the virtual learning environment or lecture recordings, for a week. You can decide who gets notified first and what support is offered; this could be a simple signpost to useful information or an offer of a meeting with a personal tutor. This proactive approach enables personal tutor or student engagement staff to intervene and offer support before any issues escalate.
3. Celebrating Success
Contrary to common perception, Notifications are not solely reserved for identifying potential challenges. Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in student motivation. StREAM allows universities to set up Notifications that celebrate student success, such as when a student moves into the ‘high’ engagement category for the first time.
Sending motivational messages not only acknowledges the student’s hard work but also opens doors to opportunities to offer peer mentorship or additional support. It’s worth noting that spending excessive time in the ‘very high’ engagement category may indicate a risk of burnout. Therefore, communicating with students in higher categories also becomes a valuable avenue to highlight good learning practices and offer resources for maintaining well-being.
4. Staying Motivated
It’s not just the students who are at the ends of the engagement spectrum that can benefit from Notifications either. A simple message saying well done to a student who has attended all their sessions for a week can give them that reassurance that their work has been recognised, shows that you have noticed and care, things that all contribute to their sense of belonging.
In conclusion, StREAM Notifications provide a proactive and effective means of supporting students throughout their academic journey. Whether identifying early challenges, intervening to keep students on track, celebrating successes or providing motivation, leveraging Notifications ensures that institutions can tailor their support to the specific needs of each student, fostering an environment conducive to success.
Learn more about how Notifications in StREAM work by booking a StREAM Demo.
